Segmented Oral Cleaning Element Arrangement for Varying Tooth Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral cleaning devices struggle to optimize the structure and configuration to effectively clean all types of teeth, particularly the interproximal and gum line areas, due to the varying sizes and shapes of teeth, requiring multiple cleaning element layouts that are not efficiently addressed in current designs.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning section for oral cleaning devices is designed with an arrangement of cleaning elements categorized into units, each containing multiple types of cleaning elements with varying heights, lengths, and angular extensions, arranged in a sequential pattern along a longitudinal axis with differing widths to match the varying tooth sizes, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pattern of cleaning elements is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively clean all types of teeth with varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element arrangement is divided into multiple units along the longitudinal axis, with each unit containing a specific subset of cleaning elements. This segmentation allows different cleaning elements to be optimized for different tooth regions (interproximal, gum line, occlusal) while maintaining an overall systematic structure that can be manufactured efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cleaning elements within the arrangement have varying heights, lengths, and angular extensions tailored to specific cleaning needs. For example, longer cleaning elements are positioned for interproximal cleaning while shorter elements with different angles are positioned for gum line cleaning. This local differentiation of cleaning element properties enables effective cleaning across diverse tooth types without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cleaning element layouts are provided to clean all tooth areas, then cleaning performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element arrangement is designed to perform multiple cleaning functions simultaneously through a single integrated structure. By incorporating cleaning elements with different heights, lengths, and angles in specific patterns, the same cleaning section can effectively clean interproximal surfaces, gum lines, and occlusal surfaces, as well as accommodate different tooth types (incisors, canines, premolars, molars). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices or multiple brush heads.
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning elements are arranged to match varying tooth sizes, then cleaning precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element arrangement is segmented into repeating units along the longitudinal axis, with each unit containing a standardized set of cleaning elements with specific dimensions. This modular segmentation allows for systematic manufacturing where each unit can be produced using the same process, and then assembled or attached to the substrate in sequence. The standardized units simplify manufacturing while still allowing adaptation to different tooth sizes through the variation in unit dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning elements are designed with varying parameters (height, length, angular extension) that are systematically changed across the arrangement to match different tooth dimensions. These parameter changes are implemented in a controlled manner within the segmented units, allowing for precise alignment with tooth surfaces while maintaining manufacturing consistency. The parameter variations are built into the design rather than requiring post-manufacturing adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral cleaning system or section is provided which includes an arrangement of cleaning elements which consists of an ordered sequence of groups of cleaning elements aligned along an axis, the groups each being populated by one of a set of different types or classes of element which differ for example in their layout, form, orientation, shape, dimensions, or other spatial characteristics. Thus, this provides a brushing field which contains elements suited for multiple different types of brushing or other mechanical action in relation to oral surfaces. To optimize coverage of all teeth with different cleaning categories, it is proposed to provide the arrangement such that it formed by a sequence of units, each unit containing at least one group of each category of cleaning element, and wherein the arrangement includes units of different widths along said axis. This allows for matching different widths to the different widths of teeth, which improves coverage of all cleaning element categories over teeth of all types.